Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Cnemidophorus hyperythrus

Common name: Orange-Throated Whiptail

Size: 2-2.83 in ( 5.0-7.2 cm)

Distinguishing characters: A distinctive species with five or six light colored stripes down a black, brown, or grey dorsal side; middle stripe may be forked at both ends; whitish-yellow or cream on venter; orange throat (females and juveniles may lack this character); head is yellow-brown to olive colored; tongue is forked and flicked continually.

Juveniles: Legs and tail are cobalt blue.

Dimorphism: Entire ventral surface of males including tail may be orange, although gravid females may also have some orange especially lining the lower jaw; colors are most distinct in breeding season; males have larger femoral pores than females.

Similar species: Eumeces skiltonianus: Has very shiny scales; thicker tail; smaller legs. Cnemidophorus tigris: Has spotted pattern.

Additional notes: A species with a distinctive, jerking gait.

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